How Do We Live?

Chapter 30: Recovery

I couldn't help but shiver when I felt the tip of his nose trace the crook of my neck up to my jaw. When he found my face ay agad siyang nagpatak ng isang halik.

God, Ibrahim Gregorio! How can I stop when you're doing this?! It's unfair, hindi lang ikaw ang nagpipigil!!!

"Are you really sure you're f-fine?" I almost gasp when I heard myself stutter as I ask that question. Ang boses ay hindi na makilala dahil sa hina at kakaibang tono noon.

He shook his head and finally stands up to face me. Ang madilim na asul na mata ang agad kong nakita nang marahan iyong bumaba sa mga labi ko. Another second passed and he finally landed a kiss on my lips.

"Rahim..." I said, sounding like I'm pleading him...

"I'll use the bathroom now." He said with determination on his face before quickly kissing me again and walk out from my kitchen, not even turning back to glance at me.

I felt like I was free from hypnotism nang tuluyan ng makaalis si Rahim. Hindi ko napigilan magpakawala ng isang buntong hininga habang binabalingan ang kapeng inilapag  sa gilid bago nangyari ang lahat ng iyon.

I unconsciously grab the cup of coffee and took a sip from it. Trying to at least get my senses back from what happened. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi na nag-fufunction ang utak ko ng tama dahil sa lahat nangyari. I even doubt that I'll get a good ounce of sleep tonight dahil dito!

What am I even thinking?! I kissed him like I'm dying to be with him! Nakakahiya!

If Annica hears about this, hindi na ako magtataka kung ibabalot niya ako at ipapatapon kay Captain!

Nagpasya na akong bumaba mula sa counter top at nagtungo sa living room to find a mirror and see if I look like a mess from all of that kissing that happened.

Nang makita ang sarili sa harapan ng salamin ay parang mas dinapuan ako ng hiya nang makita ang ayos ko. 

My cheeks are flush, my lips are slightly swollen from all the kissing. Ang damit ay bahagyang nagusot habang ang leeg ko ay bahagyang namumula rin. I can see a faint mark of his fingers on my neck as he held on it awhile ago.

I immediately shook my head when that scenario flashes again in my mind. Jesus, Monique! Saan mo natutunan ang mga iyon, 10 years in med school and the only thing that you can came up with someone holding your neck is to be weak on the knees?!

I should really assert myself whenever I'm with Rahim! Pakiramdam ko ay laging sumasabog ang kung ano-anong ideya sa akin kapag nariyan siya! Worse, the darkest part of my imagination (na nakuha ko lang naman kay Annica) ay na-aactivate!!!

When I heard the door from the bathroom open ay bahagya akong natarantang ayusin ang sarili. When I turn around, Rahim is already walking toward me.

Ang tatlong butones ng dress shirt niya ay nakabukas na. His face is a bit wet; some droplets of water is still sliding down his jaw habang inaayos naman niya ang buhok.

When he reaches me, he immediately fixes his glasses before looking at his wristwatch.

"I'll be going now, Mon." He said in a low voice, as if pleading me.

Marahan ko 'ring sinipat ang wall clock ko, only top find that it's already quarter to 10. I couldn't help but protrude my lips as I nod at him. Nang makita niya ang reaksyon ko ay agad naman niyang inabot ang isang kamay ko, immediately intertwining our fingers together.

"I'll fetch you tomorrow and we can eat... outside." Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagtaas ng isang kilay ng marinig ang sinabi niya.

"Outside? Wala akong duty tomorrow, we can stay here and order some take outs." Dire-diretso kong saad at ni hindi man lang pinag-iisapan ang suhestyon. Pinanliitan naman niya ako ng mata kaya naman agad akong nagkibit balikat.